‘Being young is my strength’

Daryl William Momin

The Congress has chosen Daryl William Momin to contest the April 9 Lok Sabha elections from Tura. Momin is the grandson of the first chief minister of Meghalaya, Williamson A. Sangma. Momin entered active politics in 2012 at the age of 24 after completing his MBA from Bond University in Australia.

The onus is on Momin, 27, to maintain the legacy of his grandfather Williamson Sangma, who is aptly dubbed the “architect of Meghalaya”.

At 27, Agatha Sangma won the Tura Lok Sabha bypoll in 2008. Daryl is pitted against veteran Purno Sangma of the National People’s Party (NPP) who has won Tura seat for eight consecutive times since 1977. Daryl is confident that he will be able to give his best. Excerpts of his interview with Saidul Khan of The Telegraph.

TT: Who is Daryl William Momin?

Daryl William: Daryl William is the Congress nominee for the Tura Lok Sabha seat — a simple young man who has made a foray into politics to fulfil the aspirations of the people.

TT: You have the onus to carry forward the legacy of your grandfather Capt. Williamson Sangma, first chief minister of Meghalaya. What inspiration do you draw from him?

DW: I look up to him as a source of inspiration. My decision to join politics is mainly to serve the people whom I represent. My grandfather was acceptable to all communities during his movement for a hill state. I have a lot to learn from his deeds.

TT: The Opposition is all out to hammer the ruling Congress party on insurgency and utter chaos in law and order in Garo hills. How will you counter this issue? Do you think that insurgency is a major problem?

DW: Yes, militancy is a problem in Garo hills. It will be my effort to understand the root cause of the issue. We also have to see how best we can address the bottleneck, unemployment and economic disparity, to resolve the problem.

TT: Many say that you are too young to take on veteran and seasoned politician Purno Sangma. How do you react?

DW Being young is my strength. I have the willingness to learn, reach out to the people and an inherent energy and calibre to serve the people.

TT: Aren’t you scared to take on Purno Sangma?

DW: Not at all! I respect, appreciate and acknowledge his contribution. But then, I have my own vision, goal and a purpose why I am contesting this election. People will choose their representative; I just have to give my best.

TT: What is your road map and vision for Garo hills?

DW: I am guided by the Congress’s manifesto for the progress and development of the country. My core action plan will be to strengthen the human resource development and capacity building among the youths. I stand for: “Youth for youth”.